EcoMotors Passes 500 Hours of Successful Dyno Testing of OPOC Engine

EcoMotors International has exceeded more than 500 hours of successful dynamometer testing of its OPOC (opposed-piston, opposed-cylinder) engine. (Earlier post.)

We are tremendously excited to confirm that our test engines are surpassing our ambitious objectives for high fuel efficiency and low greenhouse-gas emissions. EcoMotors’ OPOC engine, which has the ability to cut fuel consumption in half, can play an important role in meeting the new 2016 standards aimed at significantly decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

—CEO Don Runkle

The opoc engine operates on the 2-cycle principle, generating one power stroke per crank revolution per cylinder. Each module consists of two opposing cylinders per module, with a crankshaft between them; each cylinder has two pistons moving in opposite directions. This design configuration eliminates the cylinder-head and valvetrain components of conventional engines, offering a more efficient, compact and simple core engine structure, the company says. The power density is more than 1 hp per pound of engine weight. The fully balanced opoc engine can be run on any liquid fuel.

Based in Troy, Mich. and Goleta, Calif., EcoMotors is developing high-efficiency engines—specifically the OPOC engine—for use in cars, light trucks, marine applications, agricultural vehicles, stationary generators, etc.; essentially anywhere conventional gas or diesel power is utilized.

EcoMotors is part of the Khosla Ventures portfolio of companies.